Junior Achievement Dream Accelerator 

The Dream Accelerator™ offers all ninth-grade students a fully interactive simulation that allows them to explore their potential career paths through task-based activities, role play, and decision-making challenges that mirror real-life work environments.

This hands-on, immersive career exploration experience is located at our Center for Innovation and designed to support postsecondary readiness. This high-impact program empowers students to connect their interests and strengths to real-world careers while developing the essential skills needed for future success.

The Dream Accelerator™ is fully integrated into the 9th-grade Earth and Space Sciences curriculum. Students begin the experience with seven in-class lessons focused on career readiness. During these sessions, they explore their interests, take aptitude assessments, and begin mapping potential career pathways.

Following the classroom preparation, students attend the in-person Dream Accelerator™, where they engage in interactive activities and simulations. After the experience, students return to the classroom for two reflection sessions, during which they begin setting both short- and long-term goals for their educational and career futures.

Students also have the opportunity to earn the JA Essential Work Skills credential, an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates mastery in key competencies such as:

• Critical Thinking
• Creativity & Innovation
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Cultural Agility
• Self-Direction

The JA Dream Accelerator™ experience is a powerful way to help students make informed decisions about their future, gain confidence in their abilities, and see how their current education connects directly to their long-term goals.

Interested in learning more?

You can reach out to our Teaching and Learning team at (319) 688-1000, or you can contact the Junior Achievement team at (319) 862-1100.